Articles tagged with Obstetrics
The book offers practical guidance to patients and practitioners on high-risk complications during pregnancy, especially in states with abortion bans. It addresses medical questions and complications such as preeclampsia and birth defects.
Research shows that integrating oral health screenings into prenatal clinic visits increases the likelihood of patients receiving dental care during pregnancy. A study at New York University found that scheduling immediate appointments and patient navigation both improved engagement with dental care, but scheduled appointments were mor...
A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...
This study examines associations between early life BMI and childbirth timing, as well as fertility outcomes among Danish women. Childhood body size is found to be associated with the timing of childbirth, highlighting the importance of addressing reproductive health early in life.
The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.
Recent studies explore the impact of digital technologies on health outcomes, highlighting innovations in maternal care and wildfire preparedness. Digital tools are being used to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and mitigate adverse effects of wildfires on air quality.
A national study of obstetrician-gynecologists reveals that state abortion laws are linked to higher levels of clinical constraints and moral distress among OB-GYNs. The findings suggest that institution-level support is needed to address moral distress, regardless of the state's abortion policy context.
Researchers will examine whether online support strengthens brain development linked to emotional and mental health in prematurely born infants. The scalable intervention could transform how families receive support after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit, bringing evidence-based support into the home.
Archaeic human parents likely had to provide constant parental care due to deformed head shapes in fossilized humans. Human babies are born less developed than other great apes, requiring specialized care, and this helps explain the origins of cooperative social behaviors.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that parents' socioeconomic status has a greater impact on their child's health than prenatal behaviors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from over 230,000 participants and found associations between socioeconomic position and 72 different child health outcomes.
A study of 88,037 Japanese children found exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months associated with a higher prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis. However, it also showed lower rates of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
A new national study reveals that about two-thirds of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer prenatal care, while one in three do not, highlighting missed opportunities to address inequities in maternal health access. The study underscores the critical role of FQHCs in caring for low-income and racially diverse pregnant popul...
A systematic review found that babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics around the time of birth tend to have differences in their gut bacteria composition, with less diversity and beneficial bacterial groups less abundant. Exclusively breastfed infants appear to show a partial restoration of microbial balance.
A systematic review found that transmasculine people have pregnancy rates ranging from 6-9%, while postnatal depression rates are unknown. Testosterone use before pregnancy is associated with lower conception rates and higher miscarriage rates.
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.
A recent study found that US women's healthcare providers became more politically engaged following the Dobbs decision, with a significant increase in voter turnout compared to other physicians. The research suggests that the shift was driven by the direct impact of the policy change on their work and patients' lives.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
A Stanford Medicine study found that pregnant women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum face higher risks for preterm birth, anemia, smaller babies, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. The study also showed that hospitalization for HG can flag a pregnancy as being at higher risk for serious complications.
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
Dr. Samantha Parker Kelleher and researchers will examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The team aims to identify ways to decrease HDP rates among mothers and develop new prevention strategies.
A new study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a common sexually transmitted infection, is not linked to an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth. Researchers tested nearly 500 pregnant individuals with a history of preterm birth or related complications and found no ass...
A new study found that demand for abortion and miscarriage hotlines increased by double digits before the Dobbs decision, with states later enacting abortion bans seeing a significant surge. The hotline saw a 210% spike in use from June 2022 to June 2023.
Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
The Mount Sinai Health System has opened the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, which brings together multidisciplinary clinical expertise, structured care pathways, and leading-edge research to deliver personalized, comprehensive care for women. The Center offers guided multi-visit experiences and coordinated care o...
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway to guide postpartum cardiovascular care, emphasizing comprehensive visits and effective management of CV emergencies. The guideline aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by optimizing cardiometabolic outcomes.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that state-level abortion bans in the US are associated with a reduction in evidence-based medical care for miscarriage management. This has led to more women waiting longer for treatment and fewer choices, potentially putting their health and fertility at risk.
Pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications account for 20-30% of maternal deaths in the US. Researchers analyzed claims data to find that underlying cardiovascular risk drives these events, rather than older age. This may encourage doctors to address cardiovascular health before pregnancy.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects up to half of all women, causing incontinence and chronic pain. A new survey reveals one in three women suffer in silence due to common misconceptions about the condition.
A large multicenter retrospective study found that stable gestational glucose levels and minimal fluctuations increase the likelihood of low pre-eclampsia risk. The study's key findings suggest that blood glucose management is crucial for preventing pre-eclampsia, particularly in pregnant women with no pre-pregnancy chronic conditions.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that small abnormalities in blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation years before pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The findings may contribute to earlier risk assessment and preventive measures.
Researchers present findings on sociodemographic disparities in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, highlighting the need for better characterization and management of these conditions. Dr. Basma S. Faris discusses reframing PCOS as a chronic disease requiring longitudinal care.
Researchers identified ten previously unknown symptoms strongly associated with eclampsia, including twitching and impaired speech. These symptoms were rare among women without seizures but frequently occurred before an episode, increasing the risk of seizures.
The Yōni.Fit device is FDA-cleared for temporary management of stress urinary incontinence and also collects menstrual fluid and/or vaginal discharge. Clinical trials show a 96% clinically significant reduction in SUI bladder leaks.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that infants whose mothers received buprenorphine during pregnancy had better health outcomes than those exposed to methadone. Another follow-up study by Stanford Medicine and Harvard University teams discovered similar rates of neurodevelopmental disorders among childr...
A new study found that pregnancy-related deaths increased sharply during the pandemic, particularly among Black women, but rates have since returned to pre-pandemic levels for most groups. However, disparities persist, especially in later postpartum deaths, which remain elevated for non-Hispanic Black mothers.
A Swedish study found that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. The research used a register-based cohort of children born between 2006 and 2013 to assess the relationship between maternal exposure and asthma outcomes.
Access to hospital-based obstetric care declined across the US as hospitals closed labor and delivery units between 2010-2021. Rural communities were hit hardest, with access dropping by over 50% in some areas.
Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.
A study from the Ragon Institute reveals how a live bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others. The therapy, LACTIN-V, was found to successfully colonize the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus in 30% of women, leading to improved vaginal health.
Dr. Emily Lukacz has been named the 2026 President of American Urogynecologic Society, a prestigious position that recognizes her innovative leadership in the complex field of urogynecology. As president, she aims to streamline treatment by educating primary care providers and allied health professionals.
A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.
A data analysis found that maternal deaths increased by 11% in US aid-dependent countries during Republican administrations, eroding a fifth of the global decline in maternal deaths since 1985. The policy, which restricts family planning services, is associated with a 10.5% increase in maternal deaths.
Researchers found that mild hypoxia in preterm babies can compromise neural communication, impacting the hippocampus region responsible for memory and learning. Abnormal neuronal maturation and loss of synaptic function may lead to academic difficulties and behavioral concerns later in life.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released the first evidence-based clinical guidance for cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. The guidance aims to support both maternal health and pregnancy goals, while also prioritizing effective cancer therapy and fetal well-being.
A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.
A study extending pregnancy monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum found nearly 10,000 cases of severe maternal complications in Canada each year. This reveals significant cases were previously missed, emphasizing the importance of postpartum care and timely interventions.
A new study reveals the experiences of people traveling to Illinois for abortion care after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision. The study found that delays were common, with participants waiting an average of a month for care, and that abortion stigma, information, and resource availability are major...
Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.
Delivery Date AI technology has received FDA De Novo clearance for its predictive capabilities on delivering babies using ultrasound imaging. The technology provides real-time insights into fetal development and delivery timing, aiding clinical decision-making in pregnancies where traditional dating methods are unreliable.
A study found that Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws significantly reduced the supply of obstetricians and gynecologists, particularly older and newly trained doctors. This led to a decline in more than 2 obstetrician-gynecologists per 100,000 females aged 15–44 years.
A global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.
New research shows that Rytvela, an anti-inflammatory drug candidate, decreases premature birth and infant mortality when administered after the onset of preterm labor in a preclinical mouse model. The treatment prolongs gestation and fetal growth while allowing newborn organs to develop in utero.
A new study from University of Liverpool and King's College London recommends a personalized and tiered model of postnatal care, considering convenience, individual preference, and clinical concerns. Women value virtual care for its convenience but emphasize the need for physical examinations in certain situations.
A nationwide study found that periods can trigger severe pain in many women and girls with sickle cell disease, leading to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study's authors recommend a routine menstrual history screening as part of annual sickle cell care and connecting patients with reproductive health specialists.